Polkadoodles Tropical Underworld stamps to create a watery themed art journal page

Happy Sunday everyone. Why am I happy? All the Christmas decorations are down & house thoroughly scrubbed. Mind you wasn't that happy yesterday whilst doing the latter and merrily grumbled my way through each task. Today however, I can look around and finally say "yea, job well done!" Even managed to do my craft area but how long that will stay tidy is another thing!

Today I am sharing an art journal page that I started eons ago. I began it whilst demoing for Sakura/Royal Talens on HOCHANDA in October but wasn't sure how I wanted it to end up. I've used Polkadoodles Tropical Underworld & Tropical Oceans clear stamp sets.



MY PROJECT
I began by stamping each image on to Van Gogh Mixed Media paper - card actually as 300gsm - drawing a bubble around each one before moving on. A wee bit of masking was needed to create over laps etc. I used a Sakura black micron pen to create the bubbles with circle die cuts.


The background was created using Koi Watercolours and loosely adding layers of colour, drying in between each layer.


Using my Koi Waterbrush pens, I began colouring each of the images, blending the colours together. Once dry, I grabbed my Sakura Moonlight, Stardust & Glaze pens to add greater detail.


Did you now that whilst the ink is still wet, you can blend out the Sakura pens either with a paint brush or a Sakura refillable water brush? If you haven't tried it before, you must give this technique a go as it is very easy to create blendable colouring. What's even better, if that the metallic, neon or glitter within the pens, does not disappear even after blending ...!


Once everything was dry, I have used my Gray-Pas Expressionist oil pastels, with a stencil, to create extra bubbles in blues, green & finally white.


My final final finishing touch was to use the Amsterdam Pearl Medium, with the same stencil, creating raised bubbles. This medium is superb as has encapsulated glass beads within the medium.


My next job, is to think of some journaling words that will work with this piece. Not sure if it should be words or phrases ... have you any suggestions?

YOUTUBE VIDEO
To see all the different Sakura products working together, you can see the launch show on HOCHANDA by clicking video link below.


Although this doesn't show this piece being created, it does show how you can blend with the Sakura Gel Pens.

GELLY ROLL PENS
Why not check out CraftStash as they have lots of the Gelly Roll pen sets. If your budget can't stretch to full sets, they sell them in sets of 3. These sets are also in colour families which means you can grab the set(s) that appeal to you & your style. Check the Sakura products HERE.

psst .... Craftstash also deliver/post worldwide

HOCHANDA SHOWS
The next Polkadoodles show will be on Wednesday 8th January at 10am & 2pm. I have a whole host of wonderful goodies to share with you and simply can't wait. I hope you can join me.


Writing the above, means I must now start narrowing down which demos I want to share. Always find this tricky as there is just so much I want to show but only have an hour ...!

Until next time,

Lou
x x x

SUPPLIES

I’m listing the products I used below to create my project. Click on the shop link/logo/photo to go directly to the product. Where available, I use compensated affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase via one of my links, I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you so much for your support!

I'd like to share my journal page in the following challenges:
Love 2 Create - anything mixed media goes
Artistic Stamper - anything goes
Crafts Galore Encore - anything goes
Stamplorations - stencil challenge
World Wide Design team - anything goes
Challenge up your life - anything goes
Brown Sugar - anything goes
Polkadoodles - anything goes

Comments

Rachel said…
This is a gorgeous piece, can I pick your brain some time about entering challenges and listing products used please ❤️❤️
Nelly said…
Lovely artwork Lou with great tutorial ! ... see you on my TV soon x
Jane Savage said…
Really mind-blowing project!! I love the depth you've achieved! xx
Lou Sims said…
Rachel, off course. Drop me an email - link in side bar - or alternatively a message via any social media app. Lou
KarinsArtScrap said…
this is very beautiful Lou
Gr Karin
Barbara Bruder said…
Lou, this is a gorgeous piece. Great colors, very creative, I just love this. Thanks for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry. Barbara DT member for { World Wide Open Design Team Challenge}
Carole J said…
A truly glorious card! I love the watercolored fish and the bubbles are exquisite! Thank you for sharing your project with us at the Crafts Galore Encore “Anything Goes” January Challenge. Good Luck and hope to see you again soon!
Carole x DT Craftilicious Creations
Cinderella said…
Hello Lou,

What an awsome creation this is I love it

Thank You for Joining us at Polkadoodle Craft Challenge
Hugs and Creativity

Cinderella ( https://cinderellasdreamcardsblog.blogspot.com/)
Xx
Wow you have done an amazing job here, looks absolutely fantastic. Great colours, great work.
Thank you for sharing with us over here at World Wide Open Design Team Challenge and best of luck with your entry.

Annette DT / Admin / Registered Owner for https://worldwideopendesignteamchallenge.blogspot.com/
MariLynn said…
This is stunning. Love the masking job you did with the bubbles. Your color is vibrant. Great job. Thanks for sharing with STAMPlorations Stencil Challenge.
Ina G said…
Simply breathtaking Lou. Thank you so much for sharing with us for STAMPlorations Stencil Challenge.